How to Franchise Eastern Petroleum in the Philippines

Eastern Petroleum is a smaller, independent Filipino fuel retailer with over 36 branches nationwide, and currently the most affordable entry point among the gas station brands we’ve reviewed.

Behind the Brand

Eastern Petroleum is one of the smaller independent oil retailers in the Philippines, with a network of more than 36 branches nationwide, competing on accessibility rather than scale against the majors.

Dr. Fernando Martinez founded Eastern Petroleum in 1999 as part of his 100% Filipino-owned Eastern Group. Its first station opened in Cavite in 2001 under a program called “Gasolinahang Bayan,” and the company was among the first in the country to comply with the Clean Air Act by blending biodiesel and ethanol into its fuel.

Why an Eastern Petroleum Station Can Be a Good Business

Eastern Petroleum’s lowest-tier Basic Station format has one of the most accessible entry points in the entire gas station category, making it a realistic option for entrepreneurs who can’t stretch to Shell or Phoenix’s multi-million-peso minimums.

What Customers Are Saying

Eastern Petroleum is a smaller, regional player (around 36 stations versus hundreds for the majors), and independently verifiable customer reviews specific to its stations are basically nonexistent online, a genuine information gap rather than an oversight. Note also that “Eastern Petroleum” is a common name; an unrelated US heating-oil company shares it, so don’t mistake that company’s reviews for this one. If you’re evaluating this franchise, ask Eastern directly to connect you with a current dealer rather than relying on public reviews.

Eastern Petroleum Franchise Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to get a station running:

• Franchise Fee: ₱250,000.
• Basic Station (1–2 islands, 2 pumps): Total investment around ₱2,000,000.
• Regular Station (2 islands, 3–4 pumps): Total investment around ₱5,000,000.
• Large Station (3 islands, 5+ pumps): Total investment around ₱8,000,000.
• Payback Period: Estimated 40–60 months.

How to Franchise Eastern Petroleum in the Philippines

Here’s how to move things forward:

1. Contact Eastern Petroleum directly to request current franchise packages.
2. Choose your station size (Basic, Regular, or Large) based on your site and budget.
3. Submit your application and site details for evaluation.
4. Once approved, settle the ₱250,000 franchise fee and proceed with station construction.

Who Is an Eastern Petroleum Franchise Best For?

This is a smaller, regional player, and that shapes who it makes sense for.

• Entrepreneurs looking for the lowest-capital entry point into gas station ownership in the Philippines.
• Those with a smaller site that fits the Basic Station format (1–2 islands, 2 pumps).
• Operators who prioritize payback speed and are comfortable with a smaller, less internationally known brand.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Eastern Petroleum Franchise

Being a smaller independent has real upsides, and real limits. Here’s the honest version.

What works in your favor:

• Lowest published franchise fee (₱250,000) and total investment (from ₱2,000,000) among the gas station brands we reviewed.
• Three station-size tiers let you scale your investment to your site and budget.
• Established network of 36+ branches shows real operating history despite being a smaller brand.

And here’s what comes with that smaller footprint.

What you’re taking on:

• Much smaller brand recognition than Shell, Petron, or Phoenix.
• 40–60 month payback period is a real long-term commitment before you see full returns.
• Smaller network means less bargaining power and marketing muscle than the majors.

Comparable Alternatives

Here’s how Eastern Petroleum compares to other gas station brands:

• Seaoil, likewise accessible, from around ₱2,000,000.
• Petron Bulilit, bigger brand name at a higher ₱4M–₱9M investment.
• Shell, no franchise fee, but a much higher ₱5M–₱12M investment.

See our Top 5 Gas Station Franchises in the Philippines roundup for the full comparison.

Alternative Franchise Opportunities

Beyond the comparable options above, here’s how Eastern Petroleum compares to the bigger gas station brands in the Philippines:

• Petron, the default choice for buyers wanting the reassurance of a major, refinery-backed brand.
• Total (TotalEnergies), international brand with a premium fuel and lubricants story.
• Flying V, another homegrown independent competing on lower pump price, closer to Eastern’s investment tier.
• Seaoil, same homegrown-independent category, larger network than Eastern.

See our full list of gas station franchises in the Philippines for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few things worth clarifying before you reach out.

How much is the Eastern Petroleum franchise fee?

₱250,000.

What’s the cheapest station format?

The Basic Station (1–2 islands, 2 pumps), at a total investment of around ₱2,000,000.

How long is the payback period?

Around 40–60 months, according to the company.